Emirates airlines announced on November 19 it has suspended flights to and from Baghdad until the end of November, amid growing geopolitical tensions in the region, government-run INA reported.

Tensions remain high across the Middle East as groups supportive of Palestine and Lebanon’s Hezbollah have launched several rocket and drone attacks at Israel from Iraq and Yemen. Iran also has vowed to respond to Israel’s recent attack on its territory which left four people dead.

The Dubai-based carrier also said it would continue cancelling flights to Beirut until December 31, 2024, and maintain its suspension of all Tel Aviv services until further notice.

The airline cited ongoing security concerns related to tensions between Israel and Iran, as well as certain groups in Iraq, against the backdrop of the Israel-Gaza conflict.

“Customers impacted by flight cancellations must contact their booking agents for alternative travel options or contact us if booked directly with Emirates,” the statement said.

“Customers are requested to ensure their contact details are correct by visiting Manage Your Booking to receive updates. We continue to closely monitor the situation in the region and are in contact with relevant authorities regarding developments,” the company added. 

The carrier has suspended its flights to Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv for several months due to security concerns.

These suspensions reflect growing regional instability as the conflict in Gaza continues, with the death toll now exceeding 148,000 Palestinians killed and injured, mostly women and children, according to the article's figures.

Other international airlines, including American Airlines, have extended flight cancellations to Israel until September 2025, Haaretz reported.

Earlier on November 4, Air France announced that flights were halted over the Red Sea following reports of a “luminous object”.

Several flights were affected, including flight AF934 from Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Antananarivo, Madagascar, which returned to Paris about three hours after departure. Additional flights AF814 to Nairobi and associated return services AF935 and AF815 were postponed, with some rescheduled for November 4.